2" level kit
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Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 73
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2" level kit
I am planning on installing firestone ride rite air bags in the rear and would like to put a level kit in the front. What are your guys thoughts on the best kit. I've read a lot about having to change caster angle and adding other things after installing the kit. Would like to keep it simple and not have any noticeable differences when driving. Thanks
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Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 73
Likes: 2
Did you have to add the track bar relocation bracket?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
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From: North of Salt Lake City
Maybe I can jump in here. If you consider the geometry of the front end, you'll realize that the axle is shifting left and right all the time in normal course. When the front end compresses down, the axle shifts to the passenger side. When it unloads or lifts (like when installing spring spacers or any kind of level), it shifts to the driver side. The fixed point of the motion is the track bar end where it bolts into the trac bar bracket. The whole point of adding a bracket is to center the axle when the truck is in its most common position, which is no load. If you level the front end 2 inches, the new steady-state will shift the axle approximately 1/2 inch to the driver side.
So do you "need" a track bar bracket? Well, technically no because the axle is still within its normal range of motion albeit a little shifted from the factory position. There's probably some specified range that the axle can travel left or right before it starts binding abnormally on the control arms, etc. I don't have the engineering specs to know what that range is so we just kind of assume it's ok if nothing feels abnormal when driving. The trac bar bracket will simply restore the resting or steady-state of the axle to it's intended factory position and would remove any concerns of out of range travel due to a lift of level.
So do you "need" a track bar bracket? Well, technically no because the axle is still within its normal range of motion albeit a little shifted from the factory position. There's probably some specified range that the axle can travel left or right before it starts binding abnormally on the control arms, etc. I don't have the engineering specs to know what that range is so we just kind of assume it's ok if nothing feels abnormal when driving. The trac bar bracket will simply restore the resting or steady-state of the axle to it's intended factory position and would remove any concerns of out of range travel due to a lift of level.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 176
Good info Epic
I only level our trucks 1 1/2" in the front RC Coils, But I do use the Bracket mostly because I can't stand the tire sticking out on the drivers side. If it shifted the other way Pass side I probably wouldn't because I never see that side, but I see that tire sticking out every time I approach the truck. Also the 9" offset wheels just make it worse. Is it necessary Ehhh 2 1/2 and up probably. I know when I added the first one the steering wheel was 180* off, So i had to recenter the wheel again.
I only level our trucks 1 1/2" in the front RC Coils, But I do use the Bracket mostly because I can't stand the tire sticking out on the drivers side. If it shifted the other way Pass side I probably wouldn't because I never see that side, but I see that tire sticking out every time I approach the truck. Also the 9" offset wheels just make it worse. Is it necessary Ehhh 2 1/2 and up probably. I know when I added the first one the steering wheel was 180* off, So i had to recenter the wheel again.
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shark1979
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